billsfreak Posted June 2, 2010 Posted June 2, 2010 Anyways, Fingon was good enough to post this article in another thread but unfortunately it spawned nothing but the usual bipolar arguments about the outlook for the season with the associated infighting and backbiting characteristic of our message board and its members. What is most interesting about this article, is that Allen Wilson posts a Bills depth chart. The thing is, the Bills themselves don't have an official depth chart at the moment. I surmise this to mean that the depth chart in the article is Allen Wilson's projections, and though not shocking, some of his projections are pretty interesting. I've bolded the more interesting ones. http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article/20...-camp-countdown Depth chart Offense QB: Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick FB: Corey McIntyre RB: C.J. Spiller, Fred Jackson, Marshawn Lynch LT: Demetrius Bell, Ed Wang LG: Andy Levitre, Kyle Calloway C: Geoff Hangartner, Christian Gaddis RG: Eric Wood, Kirk Chambers RT: Cornell Green, Kirk Chambers TE: Shawn Nelson, Derek Schouman WR: James Hardy, Steve Johnson WR: Lee Evans, Roscoe Parrish Defense LE: Marcus Stroud, Spencer Johnson NT: Kyle Williams, Torell Troupe RE: Dwan Edwards, Alex Carrington OLB: Aaron Maybin, Chris Ellis ILB: Andra Davis, Kawika Mitchell ILB: Paul Posluszny, Keith Ellison OLB: Chris Kelsay, Danny Batten CB: Terrence McGee, Drayton Florence CB: Leodis McKelvin, Reggie Corner SS: Donte Whitner, Bryan Scott FS: Jairus Byrd, George Wilson Most of this list I would agree with, with the possible exceptions of: -Fred Jackson will be the starting RB. Spiller is going to be the Darren Sproles type of back, and I don't know if he will ever be a 3 down back in the NFL, if he does it won't be the beginning of his rookie season. Odd as it may sound, and I wish they would have dumped him, but if anyone beats out Fred Jackson for the job to open the season it would be Lynch. -I sure hope he is, but not sure Wood will be ready to start during the season opener, so it is a good chance that Chambers will be at that position when the season kicks off. -What if Schobel plays? He is probably our best defensive player, so I think he has to start, who would that bump from the starting lineup? My guess is Maybin, at least initially and probably Kelsay before the season ends. -I won't be surprised if Whitner starts the opener, but I give it until about week 3 or 4 before George Wilson takes his job for good. -With what they are paying Mitchell, I still think there is a good chance he starts somewhere, but if he doesn't, is there a chance he will get cut or traded? Can't really see Ralph paying someone that much to ride the bench. He might not even be ready yet from the serious injury last year, if not it is a mute point.
SuperKillerRobots Posted June 2, 2010 Posted June 2, 2010 Anyways, Fingon was good enough to post this article in another thread but unfortunately it spawned nothing but the usual bipolar arguments about the outlook for the season with the associated infighting and backbiting characteristic of our message board and its members. What is most interesting about this article, is that Allen Wilson posts a Bills depth chart. The thing is, the Bills themselves don't have an official depth chart at the moment. I surmise this to mean that the depth chart in the article is Allen Wilson's projections, and though not shocking, some of his projections are pretty interesting. I've bolded the more interesting ones. http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article/20...-camp-countdown Depth chart Offense QB: Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick FB: Corey McIntyre RB: C.J. Spiller, Fred Jackson, Marshawn Lynch LT: Demetrius Bell, Ed Wang LG: Andy Levitre, Kyle Calloway C: Geoff Hangartner, Christian Gaddis RG: Eric Wood, Kirk Chambers RT: Cornell Green, Kirk Chambers TE: Shawn Nelson, Derek Schouman WR: James Hardy, Steve Johnson WR: Lee Evans, Roscoe Parrish Defense LE: Marcus Stroud, Spencer Johnson NT: Kyle Williams, Torell Troupe RE: Dwan Edwards, Alex Carrington OLB: Aaron Maybin, Chris Ellis ILB: Andra Davis, Kawika Mitchell ILB: Paul Posluszny, Keith Ellison OLB: Chris Kelsay, Danny Batten CB: Terrence McGee, Drayton Florence CB: Leodis McKelvin, Reggie Corner SS: Donte Whitner, Bryan Scott FS: Jairus Byrd, George Wilson The only ones that are remotely controversal are McKelvin and Spiller, but neither are that out of left field. I read an article in TBN today that alluded to Schobel playing DE for us this year - these guys are jokes for the most part anyways.
Mark Long Beach Posted June 2, 2010 Posted June 2, 2010 Agreed. When Kirk Chambers is even invited to training camp something is seriously wrong. At least bring in a veteran who has done it (well) before or a young guy with at least halfway decent upside. Kirk Chambers will be cut just like he was last year. We brought him back only because we were decimated with injuries on our OL. We'll keep him through camp so that he can learn the system and therefore we have another emergency backup should the line get decimated with injuries. That's all. Move along, nothing to see here. Move along.
CFLstyle Posted June 2, 2010 Posted June 2, 2010 McKelvin is not going to unseat Florence. Florence has too much experience, and with a veteran coaching staff that needs to get out of the gates fast, they are not going to feel obligated to play the young guy just because he was a high pick. McKelvin started at corner for quite a few games over the last couple of years. He was learning very quickly and becoming a very good starting corner back. I think he'll be the starter on opening day over Florence.
purple haze Posted June 2, 2010 Posted June 2, 2010 McKelvin is not going to unseat Florence. Florence has too much experience, and with a veteran coaching staff that needs to get out of the gates fast, they are not going to feel obligated to play the young guy just because he was a high pick. McKelvin could easily be the starter. The new coaching staff isn't concerned with getting out of the gates fast. They're concerned with building their team for now and the future. Nix and Gailey have talked about this ad-infinitum. They brought in a few vets during FA and even Dwan Edwards is a young vet. Everyone else they have are young guys. They didn't bring in a whole lot of long-toothed veterans for a reason. They want to develop the youth they already have.
Deep2Moulds46 Posted June 2, 2010 Posted June 2, 2010 I think our starters will be Q- Edwards RB- Jackson RB- Spiller WR- Evans WR- Hardy TE- Nelson LT- Meredith LG- Levitre C- Hangartner RG- Wood RT- Green ( people are so conditioned to see a Fb in the starting lineup, but most teams don't even do that anymore. FOr example, the Colts list 2 Te's in their starting lineup, and the Saints list Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas) DE- Edwards DT- Williams DE- Stroud OLB- Maybin ILB- Poz ILB- Davis OLB- Ellis CB- McKelvin CB- McGee FS- Byrd SS- Whitner PR- Parrish KR- Spiller K- Lindell P- Moorman
SuperKillerRobots Posted June 2, 2010 Posted June 2, 2010 ITs very difficult to become a standup LB from a DE and have to cover guys after not doing it for 10 years. Watch and see how kelsay who wasnt a good DE struggles with LB I'm not so sure this reasoning is correct. I don't think the OLBs in the 3-4 are going to be asked to cover like they were in the Tampa 2. I think the majority of the time he is going to be covering a back out of the backfield. I don't think he'll be covering TEs on seem routes. I think the key especially with Kelsey will be putting him in position to succeed. If he's in there on 3rd and long as an OLB, then we're in trouble. I don't see any problem with him being in there on 3rd and short though. The TEs, while he's in the ame, are going to have to be covered by the SS unless they are more blocking types. I think how few times Kelsey is exposed as playing out of position will be a huge reflection on how well George Edwards designs the defense. The entire coaching staff has been saying that they will design their schemes around the players on the roster and this has to be especially tru eof the defense because they look like a hybrid defense on paper. If Kelsey is getting burned on seem routes all year, Edwards needs to go.
NewEra Posted June 2, 2010 Posted June 2, 2010 Totally expected a Favre reference to come up, but as for the other 99.9% of the time........ ed reed retired too?
dollars 2 donuts Posted June 2, 2010 Posted June 2, 2010 Ok, technically it has not happened. Yet. But nothing so far has been "required". Even these practices are optional. Back in March, AS was scheduled to receive a $2M roster bonus. All he had to do is come to Buffalo and pass a physical. Schobel has yet to collect the bonus. In fact, he stated he was in no hurry to take the physical, and he was not stressing over the money. Eek. It seems money is no longer the big motivational factor it once was. Just wait. Once a required activity takes place, I think you will see Schobel declare his retirement. Truly and finally find out whether he really wants to retire (as has been rumored on this board going back a couple of years) or would be willing to be traded. Send him down home to Texas and get a 3rd or 4th rounder for him; considering the limited value teams would put on him if he is imminently close to retirement in the next couple of years.
Cynical Posted June 3, 2010 Posted June 3, 2010 Truly and finally find out whether he really wants to retire (as has been rumored on this board going back a couple of years) or would be willing to be traded. Send him down home to Texas and get a 3rd or 4th rounder for him; considering the limited value teams would put on him if he is imminently close to retirement in the next couple of years. Unless he's just blowing smoke, he said he does not want to be traded. He either plays as a Bill, or he retires. IMO, I think he's done, and it's only a matter of time before he files the paper work. He has shown money is not an issue, and I think the longer he stays home, enjoying that kind of environment, the harder it will be to go back playing.
Kelly the Dog Posted June 3, 2010 Posted June 3, 2010 McKelvin could easily be the starter. The new coaching staff isn't concerned with getting out of the gates fast. They're concerned with building their team for now and the future. Nix and Gailey have talked about this ad-infinitum. They brought in a few vets during FA and even Dwan Edwards is a young vet. Everyone else they have are young guys. They didn't bring in a whole lot of long-toothed veterans for a reason. They want to develop the youth they already have. I'd be very surprised if McLovin doesn't start over Florence. Leodis is one of precious few Bills players that has a legitimate chance to be a star in this league. Byrd and Spiller may be the only other ones. Perhaps Wood.
Orton's Arm Posted June 3, 2010 Posted June 3, 2010 The only ones that are remotely controversal are McKelvin and Spiller, but neither are that out of left field. I read an article in TBN today that alluded to Schobel playing DE for us this year - these guys are jokes for the most part anyways. This from Buffalo Bills.com: "Steve Johnson for the second time this week was lined up opposite Lee Evans at receiver with the first offensive unit." While Hardy may have had the early lead in the competition for a starting slot, it looks like Johnson is closing the gap.
4BillsintheBurgh Posted June 3, 2010 Posted June 3, 2010 I'd be very surprised if McLovin doesn't start over Florence. Leodis is one of precious few Bills players that has a legitimate chance to be a star in this league. Byrd and Spiller may be the only other ones. Perhaps Wood. I wouldn't be suprised if McGee or Florence are traded this year. Seems like we could get something for one of them and we have a few cb's that can fill the nickel role. One variable is who can play in this defense and who can't, that may determine who is out.
Kelly the Dog Posted June 3, 2010 Posted June 3, 2010 This from Buffalo Bills.com: "Steve Johnson for the second time this week was lined up opposite Lee Evans at receiver with the first offensive unit." While Hardy may have had the early lead in the competition for a starting slot, it looks like Johnson is closing the gap. I don't think it means a thing. It was very likely scheduled like that, the way they are scheduling the QBs with the different units. I don't really expect Chad Jackson or Easley to rotate too much with the first units, but they are going to give Johnson a chance to beat out Hardy, and need to see him work with the ones. Gailey all but said so when he makes comments about how it's not fair to evaluate guys playing with the second and third units against those playing with the firsts. I doubt that anyone on the team has gone up or down on the depth chart.
ChanOverChin Posted June 3, 2010 Posted June 3, 2010 Here's my two cents: I think our starters will be: OFFENSE: QB- Edwards RB- Jackson RB- Spiller (gives added dimension as a pass catcher) WR- Evans WR- Hardy (better measurables than the other WRs on the roster) TE- Nelson LT- Outside Veteran Player (this spot has to be imporved for Bills to have a chance to compete) LG- Levitre C- Hangartner RG- Wood RT- Green DEFENSE: DE- Stroud DT- Williams DE- Edwards OLB- Schobel/Kelsay ILB- Poz ILB- Mitchell OLB- Maybin CB- McKelvin CB- McGee FS- Byrd SS- Whitner PR- Parrish KR- Spiller K- Lindell P- Moorman. We must find a proven, vet LT to give ourselves a chance to win. I think the Bills will evetually sign someone if they plan to try to win this year. T. Edwards could have a pretty good year under Gailey's tutledge. That is as long as the O-line does a capable job. Spiller and Hardy are interesting additions to the offense. They could both be very exciting players to watch this year. Green is a questionable starter, but probably the best that the Bills currently have at RT. Mitchell starts ahead of Poz and Davis at ILB. McKelvin becomes a stud this year. I like Maybin to have a breakout year this year as well. Not so sure how the Schobel/Kelsay thing will work out at OLB. The Bills almost need to consider putting Mitchell at SOLB, let Schobel/Maybin/Kelsay play WOLB (pass rushing position), and then start Poz and davis at ILB.
Kelly the Dog Posted June 3, 2010 Posted June 3, 2010 Here's my two cents: I think our starters will be: OFFENSE: QB- Edwards RB- Jackson RB- Spiller (gives added dimension as a pass catcher) WR- Evans WR- Hardy (better measurables than the other WRs on the roster) TE- Nelson LT- Outside Veteran Player (this spot has to be imporved for Bills to have a chance to compete) LG- Levitre C- Hangartner RG- Wood RT- Green DEFENSE: DE- Stroud DT- Williams DE- Edwards OLB- Schobel/Kelsay ILB- Poz ILB- Mitchell OLB- Maybin CB- McKelvin CB- McGee FS- Byrd SS- Whitner PR- Parrish KR- Spiller K- Lindell P- Moorman. We must find a proven, vet LT to give ourselves a chance to win. I think the Bills will evetually sign someone if they plan to try to win this year. T. Edwards could have a pretty good year under Gailey's tutledge. That is as long as the O-line does a capable job. Spiller and Hardy are interesting additions to the offense. They could both be very exciting players to watch this year. Green is a questionable starter, but probably the best that the Bills currently have at RT. Mitchell starts ahead of Poz and Davis at ILB. McKelvin becomes a stud this year. I like Maybin to have a breakout year this year as well. Not so sure how the Schobel/Kelsay thing will work out at OLB. The Bills almost need to consider putting Mitchell at SOLB, let Schobel/Maybin/Kelsay play WOLB (pass rushing position), and then start Poz and davis at ILB. I would agree with most of that with a couple exceptions: No way Mitchell starts ahead of Davis at ILB though, barring injury. They have basically already made Davis the captain as he is responsible for calling the defensive signals. Plus he is very good against the run. So he will line up on first downs with the starters. I still think Schobel is returning, so I think it will be Schobel and Maybin starting on opening day, again barring injury. It's highly likely that starting on game one, series one, is Troup at NT, simply because it will be first and ten. Troup should play the run downs and Williams the pass downs at NT, although it may overlap a little. Unless Troup tanks, which isn't likely as he is the only run stuffer we got, and he has apparently looked good in practice so far, he will be with the starters about half the plays.
Orton's Arm Posted June 3, 2010 Posted June 3, 2010 I don't think it means a thing. It was very likely scheduled like that, the way they are scheduling the QBs with the different units. I don't really expect Chad Jackson or Easley to rotate too much with the first units, but they are going to give Johnson a chance to beat out Hardy, and need to see him work with the ones. Gailey all but said so when he makes comments about how it's not fair to evaluate guys playing with the second and third units against those playing with the firsts. I doubt that anyone on the team has gone up or down on the depth chart. I suspect there's more than a little truth to this post. At least, if I was in Gailey's place, I wouldn't want to make premature decisions about who my starters would be. Better to give the players a chance to gain some familiarity with the offense before deciding which ones are the best at their respective positions. I also agree with your point that Johnson will be given an opportunity to earn a starting spot at WR.
HARCO186 Posted June 3, 2010 Posted June 3, 2010 You know the Bills weren't really blown out of games last year, and that being said I feel that some games this year will be. I have stated several times the Bills might goo 8-8 or a lucky 9-7. They will get crushed a few games but with the offense that will finally have a coordinator that knows how to call plays they will be a better interesting team. People on here say Bell isn't that good, but last year several critics indicated that Bell has the potential to be a solid LT. This year I feel he will show he is good. I feel the line will be better because the offense will not be predictable and defenses won't be able to just take a shot at the qb. That was the biggest issue with the Bills was they were predictable and never caught people off guard. This year our offense will be a bit better, but our d will be young and not be solid coming from a 4-3 to a 3-4. This is why they will get blown out a few times this year because of the system. That was the issue for us the last few years, the difference is we have a coach that knows this and will make it right. Bills take the division back in 2 years!!!!
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